Golf Products and Packaging for Golf Products with Color Traveling Coating

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to golf equipment packages using a coating that gives a color traveling effect. The color traveling coating can be applied to golf equipments such as golf balls, golf gloves and golf clubs, and to golf equipment display. In addition, because the coating reflects ultraviolet light, it can be coated on golf balls and golf clubs to prevent discoloration under ultraviolet light.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/901,632, filed Jul. 29, 2004, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/034,825, filed Dec. 27, 2001, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,894,086, the entire disclosures of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to golf related products and packagingusing color traveling technology to provide a unique look to golf ball,golf equipment, golf ball packaging and counter display.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Unique, attractive golf balls, golf equipment, golf packaging andcounter displays attract potential buyers. Attractive golf balls andequipment, and unique-looking packaging for golf balls and equipmentconvey high quality and make the merchandise more attractive.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,991,851 to Melesio discusses using a solid layer oflight-reflective glass beads to coat a golf ball so that it can be usedat night. When illuminated by a light source, it can be readily locatedand can be used at night.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,875,891 to Snell relates to packaging for golf ballsthat prevents moisture absorption during storage. This referencediscloses a package that includes a sealing member, which is a moisturebarrier forming an airtight seal around the golf balls.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,044,970 to Shinoda discloses a golf ball package havinga holographic display. The hologram sheet comprises a plastic filmcovering a reflective surface that consists of evaporated metal filmwith fine irregularities. Depending on the viewing angle, the hologramsheet becomes iridescently colored. In addition, there are also formed,within the irregularly reflective area, both a first regularlyreflecting area which reflects incident light from a predetermined anglefor displaying an external view of the golf ball, and a second regularlyreflecting area which regularly reflects incident light from a differentangle for displaying the internal structure of the golf ball. However,this reference requires the use of metal as reflective surfaces todisplay holographic images.

There remains a need for other methods to make golf balls, golfequipment, and golf packaging to look unique, more attractive anddesirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to package for golf equipmentcomprising a color traveling coating on at least a portion of thepackage. The coating comprises a colorant in particulate form, whereinthe colorant comprises an ordered periodic array of particles held in amatrix. The particle has a first refractive index, and the matrix has asecond refractive index. The refractive indices are different by atleast 0.01. The coating gives the golf equipment package a colortraveling effect. The refractive indices are preferably different by atleast 0.05, and more preferably by at least 0.1.

The particles can be organic polymeric material selected from the groupconsisting of polyurethane, polycarbonate, polystyrene, acrylic polymer,alkyd polymer, polyester, siloxane polymer, polysulfide,epoxy-containing polymer, and polymer derived from an epoxy-containingpolymer.

The matrix can be a polymeric material selected from the groupconsisting of polyurethane, acrylic polymer, alkyd polymer, polyester,siloxane-containing polymer, polysulfide, epoxy-containing polymer, andpolymer derived from epoxy-containing polymer.

The golf equipment inside the package includes, but is not limited to agolf ball, a golf club, golf glove, golf shoe, golf bag, and a golfaccessory.

The coating can have a thickness of 0.5 micron to 100 microns, and morepreferably a thickness of 3 microns to 10 microns.

The color traveling coating can also be applied directly to golfequipment and golf display counters. In addition, the coating can beused to reflect ultraviolet light, thus decreasing discoloration of golfballs and golf clubs by ultraviolet light.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-section of a colorant made in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the colorant of FIG. 1 showing Braggdiffraction of visible light at one viewing angle;

FIG. 3 is a cross-section of the colorant shown in FIG. 1 showing Braggdiffraction of visible light at two viewing angles; and

FIG. 4 is a schematic of a process for preparing the colorant of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As discussed in the parent application, which was published as U.S. Pat.App. Pub. No. 2003/0125416 and is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety, color traveling technology provides unique appearance toproducts. Color traveling technology can be applied to golf balls, golfequipment, golf ball packaging and counter display.

Color traveling technology, which is very different from holography,involves goniochromaticity. Goniochromaticity is the effect of theperceived varying color as the angle of illumination or observationvaries.

The present invention is directed to a colored coating compositioncomprising a resinous binder and a color effect colorant in particulateform. The colorant includes an ordered periodic array of particles heldin a polymeric matrix wherein a difference in refractive index betweenthe particles and the polymeric matrix is at least about 0.01. Thecolorant reflects visible light according to Bragg's law to yield agoniochromatic effect, or a color traveling effect to the coatingcomposition. As a result, objects coated with such compositions willshow color traveling effects.

In this invention, goniochromatic pigments give a unique appearance togolf balls, golf equipment, golf packaging and display counters.Goniochromatic pigments have been used in automotive coatings,decorative coatings, plastic pigmentation, and printing inks such assecurity inks, textiles, and cosmetics. Their optical effect is a resultof the directional reflection of light from predominantly sheet-likeparticles that have a structured refractive index contrast, providedthat the length scale of which is comparable to the wavelength of light.

In general, the pigments are known as metallic effect pigments (e.g.,aluminum, zinc, copper or alloys thereof) or interference pigments (forexample, based on titanium dioxide-coated mica, such as muscovite,phlogopite, and biotite). Metallic effect pigments oriented in a coatingwill exhibit goniochromaticity as a result of the incident light beingreflected directionally by the predominantly sheet-like particles. Theperceived color (lightness and/or hue and/or chroma) varies with respectto the angle of illumination or observation.

On the other hand, interference pigments may comprise a singleplate-like layer, or a multilayer structure. The color perceived isaffected by interference in the thin layer or layers, and optionallyalso by absorption by a chromophore (an organic moiety or inorganiccomplex that absorbs wavelengths of light in the visible and/or UVranges) or a color center. A color center is an electron hole pair thatresults from a lattice defect in a crystalline solid-state material andwhich absorbs wavelengths in the visible and/or UV ranges. Interference,with or without absorption, results in a multiplicity of hue that isdependent on the thickness of one or more thin layers and the effectiverefractive index of one or more thin layers.

In this invention, radiation diffractive materials in particulate formare applied to golf balls, golf equipment, golf packaging and displaycounters. The particulate form may act as color effective pigments,termed “colorants”. All references to “colorant” hereinafter are equallyapplicable to the general characterization of the present invention asradiation diffractive material except that “colorants” specificallyreflect radiation in the visible spectrum while radiation diffractivematerial reflects any wavelength of electromagnetic radiation.

As shown in FIG. 1, the colorant 2 includes an array 4 of particles P₁,P₂, . . . P_(x-1), and P_(x) held in a polymeric matrix 6. The particlesare arranged in layers L₁, L₂, . . . L_(x-1), and L_(x) stacked uponeach other so that the surfaces of the particles P₁-P_(x) contact eachother. Each particle contacts at least one more particle.

The colorant includes an ordered periodic array of particles held in amatrix wherein the difference in refractive indices of the matrix andthe particles is at least about 0.01, preferably at least about 0.05,and, more preferably at least about 0.1, discussed in detail below.

The matrix may be an organic polymer, such as polyurethane,polycarbonate, polystyrene, acrylic, alkyd, polyester, siloxane,polysulfide, epoxy or mixtures thereof and, preferably, is cross-linked.Alternatively, the matrix may be an inorganic polymer, such as a metaloxide (e.g. alumina, silica or titanium dioxide) or a semiconductor(e.g. cadmium selenide).

In another aspect of this invention, the array of particles may rangefrom about 0.5 micron to about 100 microns thick. For ease of use as acolorant in a form analogous to a conventional effect pigment particle,the array of particles is preferably between about 3 microns to about 10microns thick.

The “aspect ratio,” i.e. the ratio of the width to the height, of theparticles in the array is at least about 2, more preferably about 5 to100, and most preferably about 10. The particles in the array arepreferably similarly sized and differ in size by up to about 5 to 15%.Typically, the array includes at least about 5 layers of the particles,and more preferably about 10 to 30 layers of the particles.

The particles may be composed of an organic polymer, such aspolyurethane, polycarbonate, polystyrene, acrylic polymer, alkydpolymer, polyester, siloxane, polysulfide, epoxy containing polymer orpolymer derived from an epoxy-containing polymer and, preferably, iscross-linked. Alternatively, the particles may be composed of aninorganic material, such as a metal oxide (e.g. alumina, silica ortitanium dioxide) or a semiconductor (e.g. cadmium selenide).

The charged particles are purified from the dispersion by means, such asultrafiltration, dialysis or ion exchange to remove undesired materials,such as unreacted monomer, small polymers, water, initiator, surfactant,unbound salt, and grit (agglomerated particles) to produce amonodispersion of the charged particles. Ultrafiltration is a preferredtechnique for purifying the charged particles. It has been found thatfollowing an ultrafiltration step, the charged particles are orderedinto the array. Upon removal of the excess raw materials, by-products,solvent, and the like, the particles naturally align themselves into thearray due to their similar (repellant) charges. When in a dispersionwith other materials (e.g. salts or by-products) the repelling force ofthe charged particles is mitigated. However, when the dispersion ispurified to essentially contain only the charged particles, theparticles readily repel each other and form an ordered array.

To prepare an array of particles, the particles are fixed in thepolymeric matrix by providing a dispersion of the particles, bearing asimilar charge, in a carrier, applying the dispersion onto a substrate,evaporating the carrier to produce an ordered periodic array of theparticles on the substrate, coating the array of particles with thepolymer, and curing the polymer to fix the array of particles within thepolymer. The dispersion may contain about 1 to about 70 vol. % of thecharged particles, preferably about 30 to about 65 vol. % of the chargedparticles.

The fixed array is removed from the substrate and converted intoparticulate form. The substrate may be a flexible material (such as apolyester film) or an inflexible is material (such as glass). Thedispersion can be applied to the substrate by dipping, spraying,brushing, roll coating, curtain coating, flow coating or die coating toa desired thickness, preferably a maximum thickness of about 20 microns,more preferably a maximum of about 10 microns, and most preferably amaximum of about 5 microns. The fixed array of particles is removed fromthe substrate in the form of an extended film or in the form of flakesthat may be suspended in a coating composition. The particles arearranged in stacked upon each other so that the surfaces of theparticles contact each other. Each particle contacts at least one otherparticle.

The polymeric matrix preferably is a curable polymeric composition, suchas a UV curable composition with high acrylate content. Suitablepolymers for the matrix include polyurethanes, acrylic polymers, alkydpolymers, polyesters, siloxane-containing polymers, polysulfides,epoxy-containing polymers, and polymers derived from epoxy-containingpolymers. The polymeric matrix may comprise substantially one polymermaterial or may be a mixture of a plurality of suitable polymermaterials. A list of representative materials for each of the particlesand the polymer matrix and their refractive indices may be found inTable 1 of the parent case.

The particles diffract light according to Bragg's law. An incident rayof light is partially reflected at a first layer of first particles. Aportion of the incident ray is reflected as first reflected ray thatmakes an angle with the plane of the first layer of the particles. Theother portion of the incident ray is transmitted through the first layerof particles as ray. The ray is partially reflected from the secondlayer of the array as second reflected ray that also makes an angle withthe plane of the second layer of the particles. The second reflected rayis in phase with the first reflected ray.

The effective refractive index n is closely approximated as a volumeaverage of the refractive index of the particles (referred to asRI_(particles)) and the refractive index of the polymeric matrix(referred to as RI_(matrix)) present in the colorant according to theequation:n=(vol. % particles/100)×RI_(particles)+(vol. % polymer/100)×RI_(matrix)

For example, polystyrene particles have a refractive index of about 1.6.Polymethylmethacrylate has an index of refraction of about 1.49. For acolorant having an equal amount by volume of polystyrene particles and apolymethylmethacrylate matrix, the effective refractive index n of thecolorant is 1.545.

FIG. 2 shows reflection of light from two layers L₁-L_(x) of particlesP₁-P₂. The interference effect, i.e. the intensity of the reflectedlight, may be increased by increasing the number of layers L₁-L_(x) inthe array 4. While at least two layers L₁-L₂ are required to induce aBragg effect on the incident light, preferably at least about five and,more preferably about five to ten layers L₁-L_(x) of particles P₁-P_(x)are desired to achieve a desired intensity of reflected light. Fewerlayers L₁-L_(x) of particles P₁-P_(x) reflect less light, therebydecreasing the intensity of the reflected light and tending to broadenthe wavelength of the reflected light. These effects, associated withtwo to four layers L₁-L_(x), may be compensated for by increasing thedifference between the RI_(particles) and the RI_(matrix). More thanabout ten layers L₁-L_(x) may be used in certain applications wherehigher intensity reflected light is desired.

The average particle size of the particles is about 0.01 to about 1micron, preferably about 0.06 to about 0.5 micron. The distance betweenthe layers is controlled substantially by the size of the particles. Ifthe particle size varies within a layer or if the particle size variesbetween layers, the spacing between the layers will vary through thearray. As noted above, the wavelength of light reflected under the Braggcondition is a function of the spacing between the layers. Adistribution in particle size causes variation in the wavelength ofreflected light that is viewed as a broad bandwidth of light exhibitinga blend of colors instead of a clean, sharp color. Therefore, in orderto maintain a regular array, the particles are similarly sized and,preferably, differ in size from each other by about 5 to about 15%.

The colorant preferably has a thickness no greater than about 20microns, preferably less than about 10 microns, more preferably lessthan about 5 microns. Colorants substantially thicker than about 20microns may be difficult to properly disperse and align in a coating.Colorants substantially thicker than about 20 microns may also cause aroughening of the surface of a typical coating, causing a reduction inthe gloss of the coating.

In this invention, a particular color of reflected light may beselected. For example, if the reflected light in the visible spectrum isto be shifted to blue (to shorter wavelengths), the spacing between thelayers of the particles and/or the effective refractive index “n” may bedecreased. Likewise, a red color shift (to longer wavelengths) ofreflected light may be achieved by larger spacing between the particlelayers and greater effective refractive index. In addition, by usingparticles with a narrow particle size distribution, the wavelengths ofreflected light have relatively narrow bandwidths and exhibit a clean,sharp color.

The present invention is also applicable to wavelengths ofelectromagnetic radiation outside the visible spectrum, such asultraviolet radiation or infrared radiation. The ordered array in thematrix may be used to reflect such radiation to prevent or minimizeexposure of a substrate on which the array is positioned to thatradiation. It may be useful to coat golf balls or clubs with a coatinghaving a spacing between the layers of particles or effective refractiveindex “n” in the ultraviolet range to protect the balls and clubs fromdiscoloration by ultraviolet light.

FIG. 3 depicts the goniochromatic effect of the colorant. Multiple raysof incident light strike the colorant 2. Portions of the light ofincident rays I_(a) and I_(b) are reflected from the colorant 2 asreflected rays R_(a) and R_(b). The angles θ_(a) and θ_(b) with whichincident rays I_(a) and I_(b) strike the colorant 2 are different, hencethe wavelength of light of reflected ray R_(a) is different from thewavelength of light of reflected ray R_(b) according to Equation 1. Agoniochromatic effect is produced because the color of light ofreflected ray R_(a) visible from one viewing angle differs from thecolor of light of reflected ray R_(b) visible from another viewingangle.

In one embodiment of the invention, nanoscale particles may be used whenthe refractive index of the particles (RI_(particles)) is close to therefractive index of the polymer matrix (RI_(matrix)). In this case, thepolymer matrix composition may be adjusted to sufficiently changeRI_(matrix) to increase the difference between RI_(particles) andRI_(matrix) by adding nanoscale particles (sized about 1 to about 50 nm)to the matrix. The nanoscale particles have particle sizes less than thewavelength of visible light and, thus, do not substantially reflect orscatter light.

Suitable materials for the nanoscale particles that increase theeffective RI_(matrix) include metals (for example, gold, silver,platinum, copper, titanium, zinc, nickel), metal oxides (for example,aluminum oxide, cerium oxide, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide), mixed metaloxides, metal bromides, and semiconductors. Suitable materials for thenanoscale particles that decrease the effective RI_(matrix) includemetal oxides (for example silica), mixed metal oxides, and metalfluorides (for example, magnesium fluoride, calcium fluoride). Nanoscaleair bubbles may also be produced in the polymer matrix to decreaseRI_(matrix). Similarly, the RI_(particles) may be adjusted by addingnanoscale particles to the particles.

The preparation of the colorant of the present invention, as describedin FIG. 4, involves the steps of (a) dispersing the particles in acarrier, (b) spreading the particles on a substrate, (c) forming aperiodic array of the particles on the substrate, (d) drying thecarrier, (e) applying a polymeric matrix to the particles, (f) curingthe polymeric matrix composition, and (g) removing the polymeric matrixcomposition from the substrate as flakes of colorants or as a continuousfilm.

The colorant flakes are suitable for use as pigment particles in acoating composition for golf balls, golf equipment, golf packaging anddisplay counters. Alternatively, the colorant flakes can be used inclear coatings (i.e., those that produce cured films having substantialtransparency) or they can be added to other pigments and/or dyes incolored coatings. The coatings that can incorporate the colorants of thepresent invention include, but are not limited to, primers, basecoats,and topcoats, as well as any one or more of the coatings in a multi-coatcombination.

The coating compositions can further include one or more additives, suchas UV absorbers and stabilizers, rheology control agents, surfactants,catalysts, film build additives, fillers, flatting agents, deformers,microgels, pH control additives, and other pigments. Along with thecolorants of the present invention, it may be useful in some cases toalso include conventional pigments and dyes. These include micas, ironoxides, carbon black, titanium dioxide, aluminum flakes, bronze flakes,coated mica, nickel flakes, tin flakes, silver flakes, copper flakes,and combinations thereof. Other organic coloring agents (i.e., dyes ororganic pigments) could also be included. If it is desired to match thespecific gravity of the polymeric and solvent components of the coatingcomposition, the colorant content of the composition will haveessentially no elemental metal components, and, preferably, essentiallyno metal oxide components as well.

In one embodiment of this invention, the coating that includes the coloreffect colorant can be a basecoat, over which is applied a clearcoatthat does not contain the colorant. The components of the basecoat andthose of the clearcoat can be any of those discussed above.

In another alternative embodiment of this invention, the coating thatincludes the colorant can be a clearcoat that is applied over a basecoatthat also contains colorant. The components of the basecoat and those ofthe clearcoat can be any of those discussed above.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the coating that includes thecolor effect colorant can be a clearcoat that is applied over a basecoatthat does not contain colorant, and over which is applied anotherclearcoat that does not contain colorant. The components of the basecoatand those of the two clearcoats can be any of those discussed above.

The liquid or powder slurry coatings can be applied to the surface to becoated by any suitable coating process well-known to those skilled inthe art, for example by dip coating, direct roll coating, reverse rollcoating, curtain coating, spray coating, brush coating, gravure coating,flow coating, slot-die coating, ink-jet coating, electrodeposition, andcombinations thereof. Powder coatings are generally applied byelectrostatic deposition.

The present invention also includes use of the colorant (or radiationreflective material) in other types of carriers than a film-formingcomponent. Other non-limiting uses of the colorant include as acomponent dispersed in a cosmetic or as a pigment impregnated intoplastic.

The present invention is directed to a golf equipment package comprisingon at least a portion thereof a color traveling coating having acomposition with a colorant in a matrix with a difference of therefractive index of at least 0.01 such that the coating gives a colortraveling effect to the package.

The present invention is also directed to a color traveling golfequipment or a portion thereof comprising a composition with a colorantin a matrix with a difference of the refractive index of at least 0.01such that the coating gives a color traveling effect to the golfequipment or the portion thereof. The color traveling golf equipment maybe a golf ball, a golf club, a golf driver head, a golf glove, or a golfshoe. In addition, other golf-related merchandises such as golf ballnameplates, side stamps, and custom logo imprints can be coated with thecolor traveling coating.

The color traveling composition may be supplied as a film, which can beadhered to golf equipment. In a different embodiment, the colortraveling film may be chopped up and distributed in a UV clear coat.

The present invention is further directed to a color traveling displaycounter or flooring for the sale of golf equipment, comprising acomposition with a colorant in a matrix with a difference of therefractive index of at least 0.01 such that the coating gives a colortraveling effect to the display counter or flooring.

The color traveling coating on golf balls, golf equipment, golfpackaging and display counters gives these items unique appearance. Thecolor traveling technology enhances the shelf presence of golf equipmentand packaging by making them more visible and noticeable. As a result,these merchandises are more attractive to potential customers, and moredistinct and different from competitive products by the perception ofsuperiority in technology and quality.

The color traveling coating according to the present invention may beapplied by painting, or spraying of the coating composition to thedesired area on the surface of the package, the golf equipment, thedisplay counter, and the flooring in the vicinity of the displaycounter.

Alternatively, the color-changing paints known as SpectraFX of the AlsaCorporation (discussed athttp://www.alsacorp.com/products/spectrafx/spectrafx_prodinfo.htm) maybe used as an embodiment for the coating of packaging, golf equipment,display counters, and flooring in the vicinity of the display counters.Without being limited to any particular theory, the SpectraFX flakesgive rise to color changes by absorbing light, not reflecting it.Additionally, liquid crystal pigments may also have color travelingeffects. By varying the background color, the two available options ofSpectraFX flakes, i.e. (a) copper/patina, and (b) blue/emerald, are eachcapable of changing into many colors.

Additionally, SecureShift Technology of the Flex Products, Inc.(available at http://www.secureshift.com/index.php?sec=brand&art=0029)uses the interference of light to change color as seen by the viewerswhen either the angle of illumination or the angle of viewing ischanged. The SecureShift Technology may be used as an embodiment for thecoating of packaging, golf equipment, display counters and flooring inthe vicinity of the display counters. Essentially, the SecureShiftTechnology requires both an opaque reflective layer as well as aglass-like layer in ultra thin films to give color shifting effect.Examples of shifting of colors include (a) from red through gold intogreen, (b) from blue through red into bronze, (c) from silver throughgreen into purple, and (d) from green through blue into purple.

Other than in the operating examples, or unless otherwise expresslyspecified, all of the numerical ranges, amounts, values and percentagessuch as those for amounts of materials, and others in the specificationmay be read as if prefaced by the word “about” even though the term“about” may not expressly appear with the value, amount or range.Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parametersset forth in the specification and attached claims are approximationsthat may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to beobtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not as anattempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to thescope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least beconstrued in light of the number of reported significant digits and byapplying ordinary rounding techniques.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forththe broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numericalvalues set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely aspossible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contain certainerrors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in theirrespective testing measurements. Furthermore, when numerical ranges ofvarying scope are set forth herein, it is contemplated that anycombination of these values inclusive of the recited values may be used.

While it is apparent that the illustrative embodiments of the inventiondisclosed herein fulfill the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention, it is appreciated that numerous modifications and otherembodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art. Examples of suchmodifications include slight variations of the numerical valuesdiscussed above. Hence, the numerical values stated above and claimedbelow specifically include those values and the values that areapproximately or nearly close to the stated and claimed values.Therefore, it will be understood that the appended claims are intendedto cover all such modifications and embodiments, which would come withinthe spirit and scope of the present invention.

1. A golf equipment package comprising a color traveling coating on atleast a portion of the package, wherein the color traveling coatingreflects light at different perceived color as angle of illumination orangle of observation varies.
 2. The golf equipment package of claim 1,wherein the color traveling coating comprises a colorant formed from anordered periodic array of particles held in a matrix, and wherein adifference between a first refractive index of the particles and asecond refractive index of the matrix is at least 0.01.
 3. The golfequipment package of claim 2, wherein the first refractive index and thesecond refractive index are different by at least 0.05.
 4. The golfequipment package of claim 2, wherein the first refractive index and thesecond refractive index are different by at least 0.1.
 5. The golfequipment package of claim 2, wherein the particles comprise a polymerselected from the group consisting of polyurethane, polycarbonate,polystyrene, acrylic polymer, alkyd polymer, polyester, siloxanepolymer, polysulfide, epoxy-containing polymer, polymer derived from anepoxy-containing polymer, alumina, silica, titanium dioxide, cadmiumselenide, and a combination thereof.
 6. The golf equipment package ofclaim 2, wherein the matrix comprises a polymer selected from the groupconsisting of polyurethane, acrylic polymer, alkyd polymer, polyester,siloxane-containing polymer, polysulfide, epoxy-containing polymer,polymer derived from epoxy-containing polymer, alumina, silica, titaniumdioxide, cadmium selenide, and a combination thereof.
 7. The golfequipment package of claim 1 contains a golf equipment herein, andwherein the golf equipment is a member selected from the groupconsisting of golf ball, golf club, golf glove, golf shoe, golf bag, andgolf accessory.
 8. The golf equipment package of claim 1, wherein thecoating has a thickness of 0.5 micron to 100 microns.
 9. The golfequipment package of claim 8, wherein the coating has a thickness of 3microns to 10 microns.
 10. The golf equipment package of claim 1,wherein the color traveling coating comprises a color changing paintcapable of absorbing light to create the color traveling effect.
 11. Thegolf equipment package of claim 10 contains a golf equipment herein, andwherein the golf equipment is a member selected from the groupconsisting of a golf ball, a golf club, golf glove, golf shoe, golf bag,and a golf accessory.
 12. The golf equipment package of claim 1, whereinthe color traveling coating comprises an opaque layer and a glass-likeultra thin layer to create the color traveling effect.
 13. The golfequipment package of claim 12 contains a golf equipment herein, andwherein the golf equipment is a member selected from the groupconsisting of a golf ball, a golf club, golf glove, golf shoe, golf bag,and a golf accessory.
 14. A golf equipment package comprising a colortraveling coating on at least a portion of the package, wherein thecolor traveling coating reflects light at different perceived color asangle of illumination or angle of observation varies, wherein the colortraveling coating comprises a colorant formed from an ordered periodicarray of particles held in a matrix, and wherein a difference between afirst refractive index of the particles and a second refractive index ofthe matrix is at least 0.01.